Meet This Month's Featured Artist

Hello Everyone!

My name is Beth'a El-Shamy, but most of you know me as "BethaBeedZ".

When I was asked to be Featured Artist, I was just over the moon. When I started listing on Justbeads years ago I always thought Um how do you become Featured Artist I want to be one. Finally the day came and it honestly has been well worth the wait. I find it a true honor and I thank Justbeads for asking.

I currently live in Perrysburg, Ohio where my husband and I have 5 beautiful children ranging in age from 8 to 20 and 1 wonderful grand baby who is 2.

I was introduced to this art approx 6 years ago when my son was first diagnosed with Autism. Being consumed with everything throughout the day I found my mind still racing during the night and I needed an outlet to relieve all the stress and wildness of the often hectic days. Coming from a large family of published authors and comic book artist. I always felt like the black sheep of the family and left out in the art department.

And then I found Fire!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is where lampwork came into play. When everyone in the house is sleeping and nothing is stirring not even a mouse all you can hear is the sound of that lovely torch hiss of the fire and my imagination running wild.

I took a small break and went back to work in the real world but I am back and back to stay. I realized I was putting in 60 plus hours into a job I hated when I could have been right at home with my children and pursuing my passion yet again.

I am always open for suggestions and I am always just an email away. If you ever have any questions please let me know and I will do my best to answer when all the youngin's are in the bed.

I do all my work in a small studio that my husband bless his soul took almost the entire 6 years I have been lampworking to finish it up. Everything is one of a kind. When I sit down I never know what the fire will produce and that is the real beauty of it. Nothing will ever be exactly alike. My lampwork is sort of a family affair. My children love to give ideas and are always full of suggestions. Pulling and mixing the colors and combining different frits together is nice for them to take part in helping Mommy to make a true OOAK creation.

All the beads are kiln annealed in a digital kiln and given a nice little bubble bath so they are nice and pretty when they make it to their new home.

I want to Thank all my past customers who allow my passion to stay alive, without those loyal bead friends of mine it would not be possible so thank you so very much.....

hope you enjoy and hope to see you in the near future.
Warmest wishes

Beth'a

Please visit my current auctions here at JustBeads.com

Note: Click on any of the above items to view enlarged picture